The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Armor) Paul M. Stoddard (ASN: 0-1703445), United States Army, for gallantry in action against an armed enemy of the United States while serving with the 2d Armored Division in Germany on 31 March 1945. After being notified that there were some wounded soldiers one mile northeast of Auken, Germany, Captain Stoddard was advised not to go to their aid until the enemy fire subsided. With utter disregard for his personal safety, Captain Stoddard went up to the front with his half-track ambulance. He was forced to halt almost 100 yards from where the wounded men were, due to increased enemy artillery fire. Proceeding on foot, he returned the wounded soldiers, administered first aid and supervised their evacuation.